Wellness Wednesday; Regular Health Checks

Why regular health checks are important

It is a good idea to visit a doctor regularly, even if you feel healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

• check for current or emerging medical problems
• assess your risk of future medical issues
• prompt you to maintain a healthy lifestyle
• update vaccinations.

Health checks are usually incorporated into routine medical care. Your doctor will often perform these checks when you are visiting for another condition, such as a cold or another problem. Your doctor will then tell you how often you need to have a health check.

Having a health check is also a time to examine your lifestyle to see what improvements can be made. This may be something you regularly do yourself or discuss with a healthcare professional.

Health checks at home

You can do a basic health check at home to review your health in relation to:

• Alcohol – people who have at least two alcohol-free days per week and stick to no more than two standard drinks per drinking day have better long-term health. 
• Dental care – cleaning your teeth regularly and eating a low-sugar diet can reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Visit a dentist or other oral health professional at least once a year for a dental examination and professional cleaning, or more frequently as advised by your dentist.
• Diet – a healthy diet improves your general health and wellbeing. Have at least two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables each day. 
• Physical activity – regular physical activity is good for your mental health, heart and bones, and can prevent many diseases. Aim for 30 minutes to an hour of moderate physical activity a day. Moderate physical activity takes some effort, but still allows a conversation to be held (for example, brisk walking, gentle swimming, social tennis).
• Skin checks – check your skin regularly for unusual moles or freckles, and see your doctor if you notice anything unusual. People who work outdoors need a yearly examination by their doctor or a dermatologist. 
• Smoking – smoking increases your risk of many diseases, including heart disease, stroke, lung disease and thin bones. If you smoke, quitting as soon as possible helps reduce the harm. 
• Weight – maintaining a healthy weight range helps prevent longer-term diseases, such as diabetes and arthritis

Your GP may also recommend other tests based on your family history, your medical history or current symptoms. Depending on the results of those tests, your doctor may then want to provide a course of treatment, investigate further or refer you to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

Where to get help 

• Your general practitioner (GP)
• National Cervical Screening Program
• Your community health clinic